Written By Lisa Murimi
The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered the Trump administration to temporarily pause the deportation of a group of Venezuelan detainees held in north Texas, citing concerns raised by civil liberties advocates.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing the administration over its use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans accused of gang affiliations.
On Saturday, the Court barred the government from removing any of the individuals “until further order,” following reports that detainees were denied due process.
The rarely-used wartime law allows the president to deport nationals of “enemy” nations without typical legal protections.
It was last invoked during World War II. President Trump has accused members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua of threatening U.S. national security.
Of the 261 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador as of April 8, 137 were removed under this law, with many sent to the Cecot mega-prison.
The ACLU says some detainees received deportation notices only in English and were unaware of their right to challenge the action in court.
Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito dissented from Saturday’s ruling.
Meanwhile, controversy surrounds the mistaken deportation of El Salvadoran national Kilmar Ábrego García, whom the administration claims is a gang member, despite no criminal conviction.
Senator Chris Van Hollen has called for transparency, visiting Mr. Ábrego García in prison.
Legal battles over the administration’s sweeping use of the Alien Enemies Act are expected to continue.
